Digimon World: Data Squad Preview

Oh, those crazy Digimon. When will they finally feel confident with their bodies and quit evolving? Not any time soon it seems as Digimon World: Data Squad is headed to the PlayStation 2 this fall.

Much like other cuddly collectible creature games, the game will feature a large amount of unique characters. More than 140 different Digimon will be present, which includes the different forms that they can evolve into. You'll also find more than 250 unique items in the game that can help out in battle or with your Digimon's evolution.

The Galactic Evolution System allows for customized evolution.

Speaking of evolution, Digimon World: Data Squad gives you more control over how your virtual pets Digivolve. If you choose to go the more common randomized route, you can perform a Digisoul Charge during battle (when allowed) and your creature will change forms. However, if you want to take them on a specific path of evolution, you can use the new Galactic Evolution System to choose their fate. This chart, which looks sort of like a space map, shows you the current state of your Digimon and features branches that show the different forms it can evolve into. These forms are grayed out until you meet a certain number of requirements, which you can see by hovering over one. Once you've met the requirements, you can then choose any applicable form to evolve, or hold off and build up for a different form. The choice is yours.

The options, customization and characterizations don't end there. When you're in a battle, your fighting screen will be almost entirely covered with choice boxes. Your Digimon's abilities will fill out these boxes with its handful of moves repeating over and over again, and the more often an option repeats, the more that character wants to perform that move. If you choose one of the preferred moves, your Digimon will attack at full strength, while a move they don't necessarily want to perform may be executed a bit more weakly.

This screen speaks for itself.

As for the gameplay, we're told that it's a full RPG at its core. You're able to control up to four Digimon at any one time, and swap out your creatures at any point for customizable parties. As 14-year-old Marcus, it'll be your job to round up as many Digimon as possible and get your party into the strongest Digiforce the world has ever seen.

Digimon World: Data Squad promises over 20 hours of gameplay when it's released sometime this fall, exclusively on the PlayStation 2.